When I first heard about Frostblood I knew that it was a book that I needed to read. The premise behind the book sounded like it would be right up my street and the fact that it was recommended for fans of Throne of Glass and Red Queen just sealed the deal for me. I was really excited to get stuck into this YA Fantasy and lose myself in it.

Seventeen year old Ruby is a Fireblood, who in a world of Frostbloods has spent most of her life hiding her abilities to manipulate fire and light. That is, until one day Frostblood soldiers raid her village, killing her mother. From that very day Ruby swears revenge on the Frost King, the one responsible for the murders of Firebloods and of her mother. On her quest for revenge she meets Arcus, the mysterious Frostblood warrior who also shares her goal in killing the Frost King. Seeking refuge in a monastery Ruby starts to learn how to control her powers and use them to the best of her abilities. However, when Ruby is captured by soldiers and taken to the Frost King she knows this is her chance to destroy the ruler who took her whole life away from her.

I have to admit I really enjoyed this book. I thought the idea behind it was a really interesting concept, although it has been done before in several works of YA Fiction. Despite this, it didn’t stop me enjoying and devouring this unique world that Elly Blake had created. The world building, I must say, was pretty remarkable. Granted we don’t see a lot of the world in this book but we learn a lot about it through the myths and legends mentioned throughout. This certainly gave you a bigger picture about how Firebloods and Frostbloods became enemies. I also feel that as well as telling us about the history of the world, these myths were also telling us about the future and what could happen in the next instalment of the saga.

The pacing was handled really well and from the first event you are pulled in. In the first few pages you witness Ruby’s mother being killed and Ruby being captured. Pretty brutal for the start of a book? Some people would say that but for it just sucked me in and made me want to read more and discover more of Ruby’s story. That being said at times throughout the book it does get quite gory, so I would certainly keep that in mind if you don’t like that kind of thing.

With regards to characters, the development of our two main ones was handled really well. Ruby, our heroine started off rather ashamed of her abilities. However, at the end she came into her own and embraced her status as a Fireblood. I found her to be a feisty, brash type of heroine who would do anything for what she believed in. When you first meet Arcus he is very cold, distant and quite obnoxious but once you get to know him and his past more you learn that he is actually a rather caring, emotional character. The slow burning romance between Ruby and Arcus also kept me on my toes. I had a feeling that something was going to happen between them and the way it built up was something that I really enjoyed. There was no insta-love, which you all know I hate.

Frostblood was a suspenseful, interesting, exciting read. The world that has been created is one that I can’t wait to visit again when the next instalment in the saga is released, which I can tell you I need to read now!

While this book wasn't bad, I think it suffered from a lot of overused tropes and I wasn't really convinced by the romance. I could also tell from the ending exactly how the second book (and the relationships in the second book) would pan out, and it was just a bit disappointing that the story was so predictable.

That being said, there were parts that I did find interesting and the original premise was what grabbed my attention, so I think if the world were developed a little more, there would be more to the story.

Overall, I think if you're new to the genre (which I definitely am not) then this might be more enjoyable, but if you like your fantasy reads, nothing really stands out about this one.

I have seen so many mixed reviews for this book! I'm coming to the realisation that it's either a love/hate book and there's no in-between? I don't know, that's the vibe I'm getting from all of the reviews that I've been reading about it. And because it's me, and I'm a very difficult person, I didn't hate this book, but I didn't LOOOOOVVVEEEE this book, which is why I'm giving it a 4 out of 5.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood who has concealed her powers of heat and flame from the cruel Frostblood ruling class her entire life. But when her mother is killed trying to protect her, and rebel Frostbloods demand her help to overthrow their bloodthirsty king, she agrees to come out of hiding, desperate to have her revenge.

Despite her unpredictable abilities, Ruby trains with the rebels and the infuriating - yet irresistible - Arcus, who seems to think of her as nothing more than a weapon. But before they can take action, Ruby is captured and forced to compete in the king’s tournaments that pit Fireblood prisoners against Frostblood champions. Now she has only one chance to destroy the maniacal ruler who has taken everything from her - and from the icy young man she has come to love.

Ok so let's just get the obvious out of the way first, shall we? Think of every single fantasy/YA trope you can and then put them all together in a story. There! You have now written Frostblood! So let's have a bit of a checklist shall we?

• A "special" girl who has a power that will save the entire world
• Dark, tall, mysterious young man who is also very mean sometimes and is badass
• "Special" girl is chosen to fight an evil king who can only be destroyed by her (see first point)
• Whilst she trains to kill the King, she is told over and over again that, what takes other years and years to accomplish, she can do in a matter of weeks *faints with surprise* 
• There is a prophecy that speaks of her *maybe* 
• The dark, tall, mysterious stranger also has a very dark and mysterious secret. DUN DUN DUUUUUUNNNNNN! 
• We have the "chosen one" and the dark, tall, mysterious stranger who are natural born enemies because one is a frostblood and the other is a fireblood, but OH NO! IS THAT ROMANCE I SEE ON THE HORIZON?! NO!!! THEY ARE ENEMIES! *pure sarcasm* 





“Ruthlessness is not power. Tyranny is not strength.”

― Elly Blake, Frostblood





Ok, I know I'm hilarious... But putting that checklist aside, I actually really really enjoyed this book, tropes an' all. Maybe I'm a bit of a sucker for the good vs evil stereotypes? This is a very good book to read if you want to start getting into YA Fantasy, it's a very good stepping stone because it has all of the elements of a fantasy, but it's not HIGH fantasy. So it's a good starting point. BUT! I'm not new to the fantasy genre and I still really liked this book. I loved the magic elements of it, I loved imagining the ice powers that Arcus has and the fire powers that Ruby has, and I loved imagining what the powers would look like in real life. I was fascinated by the magic.

I also loved the character of Ruby. Like I said before, I know that she is SUCH a stereotypical character but I did really enjoy reading from her perspective and I really enjoyed reading when she had to do the trials because we saw A DARK SIDE TO HER AND IT WAS AMAZING!

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book and I can't wait to start reading Fireblood because I have a feeling that it's going to be just as awesome. I mean when you put the tropes, this is a very very good book.

Thanks to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for giving me this book to review.

Frostblood is an enjoyable YA fantasy book which is both fast paced and romantic. It is a book of two halves which had a different tone to them, however the story was full of clichés and predictable. While the world building was good I would have liked other countries to be fleshed out a bit more.

Ruby is short tempered and has a lack of emotional control but is also kind and inquisitive. Arcus is moody and damaged both physically and mentally but he is also loyal and protective. My favourite parts of the book were the banter between Ruby and Arcus and how slow the romance was in building.

I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel Fireblood. I would recommend Frostblood to fans of The Storm Siren trilogy by Mary Weber and the Fairy Queen books by Amber Argyle.

This was a quick read as I couldn't put it down! Great magic(?) building, plot twists and world building. I have marked the sequel in my diary.

I found this a nice easy read, and well written. The story was easy to follow and kept me hooked for the entire story. Can't wait to read book 2

I'd seen a lot of reviews stating this was derivative and I don't think anything could be further from the truth. Frost Blood takes what inexplicably bestselling Red Queen tried to do and runs with it, meeting and exceeding expectations. There seems to be a general consensus that tropes in YA are a bad thing and this is arrant nonsrnse. The tropes are the things that keep readers engaged, that make them pick up a book in the first place. Bad handling of YA tropes does indeed produce poor and derivative work but otherwise what's wrong with giving pepole what they want? Anyway Frost Blood is fabulous, action packed, intelligent with an engaging and resourceful geroine. I can't wait for the next book.

This book was mind blowing. From the first page it had me hooked. A great story line and lots of twists that kept me guessing was sad to finish this book

Frost blood is one of those rare books that I wanted to read again the second I finished it. The character and world building is exquisite and it led me on a rollercoaster of emotion.

Seventeen-year-old Ruby is a Fireblood. Living in a land ruled by the power-hungry Frost King, a Frostblood, who has Fireblood hunted down and killed, Ruby must hide her powers.
When Ruby's mother is killed, she longs for revenge on the Frost King. She is offered the chance to get what she wants by two powerful Frostbloods, and must learn to control and harness her powers.
Can Ruby trust these Frostblood men?
Will she be able to control her unpredictable powers?
Will Ruby avenge her mother's death?

Going into Frostblood, I was intrigued by the idea of there being Frostbloods and Firebloods, and them being sworn enemies. I liked the lore and the stories of the Gods and how they gave humans gifts of power.
Ruby was an okay protagonist but at times she could be annoying.
None of the characters really stood out for me and I guessed the identity of the 'mysterious Frostblood warrior'.
I wasn't a fan of the romance - it happened too quickly for my liking and had been done before.
The plot was okay but predictable and nothing happened that shocked or surprised me.
I didn't like the writing style very much - it felt stilted at times, not flowing as well as it could have.

Overall this was an okay but disappointing read.

When it comes to fantasy novels, I am there! Fantasy calls to me as a Fireblood calls on fire and a Frostblood calls ice. It's in my nature, ingrained within me to have fantasy as my all time favourite genre. So believe me when I say that this book fits fantasy so damn well. Despite this book being compared to Red Queen and the Throne of Glass series - albeit there are a few similarities - this debut novels is captivating with its own added unique aspects that will keep you reading till the very end.

We follow the POV of young Ruby, one of the few, scattered remaining Firebloods. She is fierce, sassy and still grappling with her fire power. Told from a young age to keep her powers hidden from the ruling Frostbloods, Ruby tries but unwittingly brings herself and her mother to harms way when nearby soldiers discover who is amongst the normal and Frostbloods. Thus begins Ruby's journey of survival, vengeance, unexpected allies and the start of her honing her growing powers.

Throughout the novel, the plot twists thicken and despite guessing a few of them, I was still hooked on the writing style that instantly grabs your attention. With this being a debut novel, I felt Blake added the right amount of descriptive aspect, though I would have loved bit more on the world itself. Just when you thought you've seen it all, something comes along and blows you away - that is how Frostblood is.

Supporting characters were either amazing or just downright evil, and to feel such different emotions in the span of a few pages clearly shows well-written characters. Arcus - my sweet broody boy. He was so withdrawn, with so many layers to him - and for heartbreaking reasons. A strong warrior Frostblood, he is a force to be reckoned with. I loved Brother Thistle and Brother Gamut - and so many others, I really hope to meet many of them in the next installment.

Both Ruby and Arcus were so well-rounded and written, they both are powerful and yet they have their flaws and doubts. Their banter is hilarious - such witty dialogues. The romance wasn't the main focal point which was really nice, but it was still there in the background, and a slow burn one at that. So much is riding on Ruby, Arcus too. But how will they defeat the Frost King? Find out in the stunning debut, Frostblood - where revenge burns brightest of all and the ice finally begins to thaw. How well can affairs between fire and ice end?

I received a copy from Netgalley.

Initially I went into this one not knowing much about it. It was a bit of coverlust, really. Though rereading the blurb when my Netgalley request was approved it sounded like a generic YA fantasy, also sounding a bit too much like Red Queen (which I really didn’t like) though Frostblood wound up really surprising me. I didn’t quite finish it before it came out, but before I was half way through I purchased a finished copy.

The main character Ruby lives in a world of ice ruled by Frostbloods who are cruel and vicious. Ruby has a special power of her own, she can create and manipulate fire – she’s a Fireblood. Firebloods are hunted down by Frostbloods and either killed or imprisoned. There’s a big dramatic history between the two factions of why things are the way they are which is revealed as the novel progresses.

Sounds a bit generic, but the world building is surprisingly in depth with well thought out mythology and history and works well with the plot. Ruby is captured by Frostblood soldiers after an attack on the village near her home which results in a personal tragedy for her, driving her need for revenge. Rescued by local monks Ruby is given an opportunity to help them bring down the Frostblood king. Not all the monks are happy to have Ruby with them – she is unpredictable, can’t control her powers and a dangerous liability.

Ruby has to train to master her ability. With the help of Arcus, who comes across as one of the monks less than pleased to have her there. He’s mysterious, and quite rude and obnoxious. He and Ruby rub each other the wrong way. It’s kind of obvious immediately where it’s going but it’s delightfully shippy, and quite fun to get into their training and snide back and forths with snarking at each other. (I did find myself wanting to shove them together and yell JUST KISS ALREADY! As they sort out their true feelings for each other).

Ruby has her doubts about what she’s got to do, and learns a few things that she’s unsure about. There’s of course a prophecy involved, a few twisty setbacks, and one big ass plot twist towards the end that was really good and completely unexpected when the truth of Arcus’s real identity and his intentions are revealed.

Despite the fact that the plot is nothing that hasn’t been done before, the novel is exceptionally well written, the characters are all interesting and well fleshed out, a mix of good guys, bad guys and one or two you’re not quite sure about. Good solid world building with an interesting history and its own belief system of gods and goddesses which work well within the plot and ties up nicely.

A lot of fun. I have already pre ordered the sequel, and am really looking forward to more from this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton for approving my request to view the title.

I've mentioned it before, but my weakness is characters overthrowing the governing power. I've also been reading a ton of YA fantasy lately so naturally Frostblood has been on my radar for a while now.

Since moving to England I get 10x more excited whenever Canada is mentioned anywhere, and with author Elly Blake being Canadian, I got extra eager to read it.

<a href="http://danaandthebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/giphy.gif"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1641" src="http://danaandthebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/giphy.gif" alt="" width="423" height="260" /></a>

Overall, Frostblood was an enjoyable read and a solid addition to the YA fantasy genre. While some parts were predictable, I spent a great couple evenings doing nothing but turning the pages, engrossed in Ruby's story. The pacing didn't slow down throughout so you can fly through it quickly - it's the perfect book for a Saturday afternoon binge read!

The first 100 pages were jam packed with information and events, but the writing was solid so following along wasn't difficult or confusing.

However, a lot of YA fantasy cliches appeared throughout:
<ul>
<li>Guardian dies leaving main character all alone</li>
<li>Brooding YA Hero who clashes with main character</li>
<li>Wise man</li>
<li>Trains to use powers</li>
<li>Prophecy</li>
<li>Chosen one</li>
<li>Arena battle</li>
</ul>
I am 100% fine with cliches as long as they are done well, and I do feel in Frostblood they were good additions to the story. Apart from one: the Arcus/Ruby romance story line. I know some readers live for the ships, but I'd rather have no romance at all than a seemingly forced romance. Their romance subplot felt strained and compulsory rather than natural and genuine.  After the halfway point in the book, I would skimmed those scenes until the main plot came back.

<a href="http://danaandthebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tumblr_inline_ok2tp8YqaG1tnx7ex_500.gif"><img class="aligncenter wp-image-1635" src="http://danaandthebooks.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/tumblr_inline_ok2tp8YqaG1tnx7ex_500.gif" alt="" width="400" height="331" /></a>

I originally received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for a review, but I just couldn't resist picking up a copy when I went back to Canada in January. So my review is of the finished Canadian copy rather than the eARC.

Can you mix Fire and Ice?

Ruby Otrera is a Fireblood and desperate to learn more about the powers she holds; creating fire by simply using her hands. Her mother, the village’s healer knows that if she is caught she will be punished as the Frost King has either killed or driven all Firebloods from the Kingdom. Ruby defies her mother and it’s not long before soldiers arrive to arrest her. Her mother in a desperate attempt to protect Ruby from being taken, is murdered.

She’s taken back to the Frost King’s palace and thrown into the dungeons, where she’s subjected to freezing conditions and soldiers who are merciless. She’s almost given up hope of escaping death, when two men; Arcus and Brother Thistle manage to rescue her.

They take her back to the abbey on Mount Una where both Arcus and Brother Thistle start training her how to use her true powers. There is an ulterior motive for the training which could cost Ruby her life.

I fell in love with the story from the opening sentence and submerged myself inside the plot taking every step with Ruby as she goes through some very scary escapades. Elly Blake has created some of the most engaging people to tell their story. Ruby is impulsive, feisty and not very keen on being given instructions. Arcus; a mystery man with his own powers as he’s a Frostblood. A Complex man terrified of relationships and hidden secrets. Brother Thistle is exactly how a monk should be; kind, caring, compassionate and willing to help those less fortunate than himself. There are other very strong characters to add to the mix and help unfold the story.

Leaving this world where Fire and Ice are at war with each other was a very sad moment for me and I’m hoping that Elly Blake can somehow manage to get Ruby, Arcus and the other characters that helped to cement the storyline back into action in a sequel. The book also left me starting my next book with an empty feeling that I can’t shake off. I’m finding that I’m unable to fully engage with the new author, characters or storyline, wanting to return once again to this magical land.

Treebeard

Breakaway Reviewers received a copy of the book to review.

I wanted to like this book so much but it does nothing new. It's predictable and forgettable, which is such a shame. There are other YA books available that are a better use of your time.

Overall Frostblood was a light, enjoyable read, but I would have liked to have been more invested in the characters and the plot. I felt as though there was very little world building and development, and this could have been improved upon.

The main character, Ruby, is a fireblood (possessing fire based powers which have been outlawed) living in a world ruled by frostbloods. After trying to escape, she's eventually captured and has to fight in an arena for the Kings enjoyment. This tournament section was definitely the highlight of the book for me, as the characters became more interesting and the twists in the plot developed. I didn't think that this was a bad story - I just would have liked to have seen something new from it.

Received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review,

OMG!!! First of all thank you to Hodder & Stoughton for letting me read one of this book. I have been hearing a LOT about this book for the last couple of months so the EXCITEMENT was real!

OMGOMGOMG!!! *runs around screaming* where do I even start with this book???

SO I can't hold out any longer, I need to state how much I loved ARCUS like freaking so much, he puts the word 'love' in to a different perspective. Now he was a very surprising character, I knew I was going to love Ruby as soon as I read the synopsis. But Arcus? Damn Elly I did not expect him to be so brave, loyal, sensitive, compassion, such a know it all, moody, rude oh I could go on but he fits so well in to the role of a tortured badass character. I didn't expect him to be afraid of fire when were told why my heart broke in to a million pieces, poor little thing. I didn't realise that would be one of the reasons he would hide about himself (I honestly thought he had other reasons). But his character does show evolvement, not drastically and thank god for that but small steps.

Ruby is a class of her own, she is so frightened, temperamental and ferocious at the same time it reminded me of when we are faced with our own problems where we have no choice but to face our demons head on in the battlefield (can you tell the plot is getting to me? Yeah I think the Minax might have consumed me a little). It was the same situation for Ruby, because she feels guilty of her mothers death as a result of her gift and always being told to suppress it, Ruby struggles with controlling her power. But Arcus and Brother Thistle are hiding secrets they haven't been fully honest with Ruby. How will she find out? Can Ruby really trust these Frostblood's?

The storyline actually reminded a few other books I have read where the plot is similar, Snow Like Ashes and The Last Year also share similar outlines, the whole Fire against Ice. But I also think, each of the stories are different in their own unique way.

Ruby wants to murder Rasmus, because of him there is so much evil spread throughout the land. There aren't many of her kind if any left at all. However, one fateful day she gets captured by the solider's and her mum is killed right before her very eyes. Ruby vows to take vengeance on Rasmus but eventually gets locked up. Help comes in the most unusual way, two Frostblood who exchange an agreement with Ruby, she needs to help them overthrow the King.

Although there isn't much romance in the book, I am happy that there is some! I really love the chemistry between Arcus and Ruby, I could hear it crackling on my iPhone. I also loved the banter between these two, if you love banter like me between the two protagonist then this is the story for you.

I think the pacing was okay, but I didn't really understand why it was split in to two parts? Did it need that? I mean if a certain time has passed then maybe but the chapter just continues straight where it left off so I was confused about that....

The battling scenes, brutally killing one another, the vivid description that was one thing I could not handle. Well I suppose I got through it, even when I read Flawed by Cecila Ahern it was one of the most hardest books I have ever read in 2016. This was really hard to take in, I am just lucky that Blake didn't elaborate too much on it, not even enough to create visuals for me but then again when I was reading about the darkness I felt like I could feel the power swirling inside of my room!

Little did I know when I picked this book up I couldn't physically put it down which resulted in me staying up until 2.30 am to finish it. A. Great book in which we meet Ruby a Fireblood who has to hide herself from the Frostbloods to survive. After losing everything she has to learn to trust her saviours Brother Thistle and the hooded Arcus and harness her powers to save much more than herself. This is a great start to an interesting series

4.5 stars

This book was sheer enjoyment. The pace was perfect from start to finish and I was kept fully engaged throughout. This YA fantasy provided plot, sizzling chemistry, characters I loved and a longing for the rest of the books in the series.

Ruby was an interesting character and in truth, not immediately likeable. She was a scrappy-little-thing, scrabbling for survival and hurting others, so she wasn't particularly endearing. Yet, there's just something about her. Ruby was brought to a refuge and there I met characters that I liked immediately, Brother Gamut and Brother Thistle. Arcus was another matter, the grump of grumps, disfigured and strong, compelling. Where Ruby was a scrappy-little-thing, Arcus was a powerhouse.

The world described in this book was interesting, I found the world-building not over laboured and easy to grasp. I haven't read mammoth amounts of fantasy, so it felt new to me. I enjoyed the concepts of firebloods and frostbloods. Does it have similarities to other fantasy? Well yes, but doesn't every romance loosely follow a similar plot? Yes, it does. So there was enough unique in this to feel like a darn, good story.

I enjoyed Elly Blake's writing immensely and I will highly anticipate the next book.

A copy of this book was provided by the publisher in return for a honest review.

Reviewed for Jo&IsaLoveBooks Blog.